Grind the coconut along with green chillies, turmeric powder, cumin powder, a little salt and enough water to form a smooth paste.

Roast the dal in a heavy bottomed pan, add 2 cups of hot water, 1 tablespoon of small onions and garlic and cook dal in a pressure cooker till done (2 whistles). The dal should be boiled till soft. Gently mash the dal with the back of a spoon. Next add the ground coconut paste, enough salt and more water if necessary and continue to cook the mixture till it comes to a boil. Remove from flame and keep aside.

Meanwhile heat coconut oil in a pan (you can also use ghee instead of coconut oil for a better flavour) and splutter mustard seeds. Add cumin seeds, the small onions, dry red chillies and curry leaves and fry till the onions get dark brown. Season with a pinch of salt and pour it over the cooked dal. Serve with rice and poppadum.